Cody to Thermopolis: Wyoming Road Trip Guide

This 140-mile (225 km) route via US-20 and WY-120 passes through the southern Bighorn Basin, a region rich in dinosaur fossils and thermal springs. The drive from Cody to Thermopolis takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes without stops. A quirky fact: the highway crosses the Owl Creek Mountains at Wind River Canyon, where the road clings to a narrow gorge carved by the Wind River. This is one of the few places in Wyoming where you can see Precambrian granite, Paleozoic limestone, and Mesozoic sandstone in a single canyon wall. For context, how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is a useful resource for planning your ideal route.

Road quality on US-20 and WY-120 is generally good, with regular maintenance. However, be cautious of wildlife: mule deer and pronghorn often cross at dawn/dusk. The canyon section has few guardrails, so drive at or below the speed limit. In winter, check weather conditions; the canyon can be icy. For families, the drive is suitable with stops every 45 minutes. Children will enjoy the dinosaur footprints exhibit at the Meeteetse Museums and the hot springs pool in Thermopolis.

• Cody to Meeteetse: Use the rest area near the Cody airport (mile 0) or the Meeteetse Rest Area (just south of town).
• Wind River Canyon: Pullouts at the scenic overlook (mile 15) and at the “Wedding of the Waters” marker.
• Thermopolis: Hot Springs State Park has picnic tables and restrooms.

Fatigue management is essential on this monotonous stretch across the basin. Break the trip into three segments: Cody to Meeteetse (30 min), Meeteetse to canyon (40 min), canyon to Thermopolis (30 min). I strongly recommend stopping at least once for 10-15 minutes. The best stops Cody to Thermopolis for a break are the Meeteetse Museums (15 minutes) and the Wind River Canyon overlook (10 minutes). Pet-friendly stops: most pullouts allow pets; Hot Springs State Park has leash requirements. The route is safe overall, but cell service is intermittent in the canyon—download offline maps. Hidden off-route spots include the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite near Shell (10 miles north of US-20) and the Legend Rock Petroglyphs near Hamilton Dome. Both require a short detour on gravel roads but reward with ancient traces.

US-20 is a two-lane undivided highway with a speed limit of 65 mph (105 km/h) in rural sections, reducing to 55 mph through towns. WY-120 through Wind River Canyon is also two lanes but has several pullouts for scenic views. Fuel stations are sparse between Cody and Thermopolis. Fill up in Cody (several stations near US-14/US-20 junction) or in Meeteetse (one station). There is no fuel in the canyon. Thermopolis has multiple stations near the hot springs.

• Cody: Multiple stations; expect ~$3.60/gal (regular).
• Meeteetse: Single station; fuel is ~$0.10-$0.20 higher than Cody.
• Thermopolis: Stations near US-20; prices similar to Cody.

It is worth driving Cody to Thermopolis for the geological spectacle alone. However, consider the time: if you leave Cody at 10 am, you can stop at Meeteetse for a break, then traverse the canyon, arriving in Thermopolis by early afternoon. The route is not suitable for large RVs in winter due to occasional ice on the canyon curves. Most cars handle it fine in dry conditions. For logistics planning, the best stops Cody to Thermopolis include the Meeteetse Museums and the Wind River Canyon Scenic Overlook. The drive time Cody to Thermopolis is manageable even with multiple stops, so things to do between Cody and Thermopolis can easily fill a half-day.

The landscapes shift dramatically: from the arid badlands around Cody to the irrigated farmlands of the Greybull River Valley near Meeteetse, then the rugged Owl Creek Mountains and finally the hot springs basin of Thermopolis. The Wind River Canyon is a highlight—a 2,500-foot-deep gorge where you can see rock layers spanning 2.5 billion years. Pull over at the official scenic overlook (mile marker 15 on WY-120) for a photo.

• Meeteetse: A small ranching town with a historic Main Street. Visit the Meeteetse Museums for pioneer artifacts and a taxidermy collection.
• Wind River Canyon: The road passes the “Wedding of the Waters” monument, marking where the Wind River officially becomes the Bighorn River.
• Thermopolis: Home to the world's largest mineral hot spring, including free public baths at Hot Springs State Park.

Local commerce reflects the region's economy: artisan shops in Cody sell Western wear, while Meeteetse has a few antique stores. Thermopolis offers gift shops specializing in thermal-themed products. For dining, Cody has a variety of restaurants; in Meeteetse, the Meeteetse Chocolatier is a must-try for handmade truffles. In Thermopolis, try the historic Fountain of Youth Café for sandwiches. The juxtaposition of untamed nature and small-town commerce creates a uniquely authentic Western experience.